SA Mining Industry Group Funeral Scheme
Challenge
The South African mining sector employs thousands of workers across multiple operations, often in remote areas. Employers recognised the importance of providing funeral cover as a key employee benefit, ensuring dignity, financial support, and peace of mind for employees and their families. However, existing solutions were fragmented, costly, and lacked the scale and efficiency required for an industry-wide impact. A more sustainable, centralised funeral scheme was needed to address affordability, reliability, and rapid payouts.
Our Solution
98 Degrees Group partnered with Harmony Gold to reposition Ernest Oppenheimer Hospital as a centre of excellence in mining healthcare and community wellness.
Key initiatives included:
Hospital Modernisation: Upgraded infrastructure, equipment, and processes to align with best-practice healthcare standards.
Integrated Occupational Health: Established dedicated programmes for mine-related health risks such as respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal issues, and hearing loss, ensuring compliance with mining regulations.
Specialist and Emergency Services: Expanded specialist services and strengthened emergency care to meet both workplace and community needs.
Community Healthcare Access: Designed a dual-service model that allows employees, dependents, and local residents to benefit from affordable, high-quality healthcare.
Digital Health Solutions: Introduced the TruMD telemedicine platform for virtual consultations, follow-ups, and chronic disease management.
Capacity Building: Developed training and mentorship opportunities for healthcare staff, ensuring long-term sustainability and continuity of care.
The Results
Improved Workforce Health: Proactive monitoring and treatment of mining-related conditions led to better health outcomes and reduced absenteeism.
Expanded Reach: The hospital now serves both employees and surrounding communities, strengthening Harmony Gold’s commitment to social responsibility.
Enhanced Healthcare Standards: Upgraded facilities and services established Ernest Oppenheimer Hospital as a benchmark for mining healthcare in South Africa.
Future-Ready Model: Integration of digital health and community care created a scalable, sustainable model for healthcare delivery.
Stronger Employer Brand: By investing in employee and community health, Harmony Gold reinforced its reputation as an employer that prioritises wellbeing.
Build a Healthier Workforce
Whether you’re looking to improve employee wellbeing, enhance your employee benefits offering, or bring healthcare access to underserved communities, 98 Degrees Group has a solution for you. Contact us today to learn more about our healthcare offerings or to explore how TruMD can be integrated into your strategy.